Lowering TL on a budget
#1
JohnnyRocket
Thread Starter
Lowering TL on a budget
Recently installed the OEM wing and AEM intake, but as soon as spring hits I'm gonna lower the TL. I'm thinking possibly H&Rs, but I wanna know if there are any cheaper options that'll be just as reliable. My dad bought some H&R springs for his Infiniti QX70 in order to reduce the ride stiffness and it actually seemed to work. Not that I'm trying to reduce stiffness, but those are the only springs I've really heard of so far and I'm trying to keep the price low. Any ideas/thoughts?
Also - trying to decide between 1 or 2 inch drop.
Also - trying to decide between 1 or 2 inch drop.
#2
A 2 inch drop is very agressive.
I'm sure there are springs that do it...but you will be on the bumpstops all the time and the shock will wear out.
A 1" drop is probably still pretty agressive for stock shocks...but its more realistic.
There are lots of springs out there. I think Eibach prokits work well for most applications.
However, for ~$600, you can get a set of Tein SA-Z and set the ride height exactly how you want. Comes with adjustable shocks and matched springs....
I'm sure there are springs that do it...but you will be on the bumpstops all the time and the shock will wear out.
A 1" drop is probably still pretty agressive for stock shocks...but its more realistic.
There are lots of springs out there. I think Eibach prokits work well for most applications.
However, for ~$600, you can get a set of Tein SA-Z and set the ride height exactly how you want. Comes with adjustable shocks and matched springs....
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#3
Senior Moderator
Just cut your springs. Ask @rockstar143
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#4
JohnnyRocket
Thread Starter
I like the way the Eiback pro kit looks and the price seems a little more reasonable than the H&Rs, I wish I was in the ballpark to pay for that ~$600.
Should I get spacers as well?
Also - pictures would be very helpful here.
Should I get spacers as well?
Also - pictures would be very helpful here.
#7
JohnnyRocket
Thread Starter
Trending Topics
#9
Senior Moderator
forgot, or implied
it's just good ol' noobs hazing
it's just good ol' noobs hazing
#10
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https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-t...thread-896703/
What's your budget? I'd go with Tein S.Techs if you're not looking to replace your struts as well
What's your budget? I'd go with Tein S.Techs if you're not looking to replace your struts as well
#11
JohnnyRocket
Thread Starter
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-t...thread-896703/
What's your budget? I'd go with Tein S.Techs if you're not looking to replace your struts as well
What's your budget? I'd go with Tein S.Techs if you're not looking to replace your struts as well
#12
JohnnyRocket
Thread Starter
#13
JohnnyRocket
Thread Starter
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-t...thread-896703/
What's your budget? I'd go with Tein S.Techs if you're not looking to replace your struts as well
What's your budget? I'd go with Tein S.Techs if you're not looking to replace your struts as well
#14
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If I were doing it all over again, I would have done tein basis....right around your price point and obviously gives you the ability to adjust height and replaces the struts and shocks which more than likely will need to be done eventually anyway.
J.
I mean your price point if you read up on the diy and do the install yourself or maybe with a friend. It's not rocket science and a good way to get experience.
and Dammit Johnny! @thoiboi
J.
I mean your price point if you read up on the diy and do the install yourself or maybe with a friend. It's not rocket science and a good way to get experience.
and Dammit Johnny! @thoiboi
Cutting springs
Hey man! I've seen you pretty frequently on the forums and I created a thread on lowering the 3G TL on a budget and someone recommended that I refer to you about cutting the springs.
Hey man! I've seen you pretty frequently on the forums and I created a thread on lowering the 3G TL on a budget and someone recommended that I refer to you about cutting the springs.
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thoiboi (11-19-2019)
#15
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Are you comfortable doing the install yourself? It's really not that hard especially if you have a buddy helping you out. Most places charge about $75 a corner but they have to remove the rear seats/deck so could be higher.
Sooo $150 for a set of springs + $300-400 for install or grab a set of Tein Street basis coilovers for $500 and do the install yourself.
Sooo $150 for a set of springs + $300-400 for install or grab a set of Tein Street basis coilovers for $500 and do the install yourself.
#16
JohnnyRocket
Thread Starter
I mean your price point if you read up on the diy and do the install yourself or maybe with a friend. It's not rocket science and a good way to get experience.
and Dammit Johnny! @thoiboi
and Dammit Johnny! @thoiboi
Are you comfortable doing the install yourself? It's really not that hard especially if you have a buddy helping you out. Most places charge about $75 a corner but they have to remove the rear seats/deck so could be higher.
Sooo $150 for a set of springs + $300-400 for install or grab a set of Tein Street basis coilovers for $500 and do the install yourself.
Sooo $150 for a set of springs + $300-400 for install or grab a set of Tein Street basis coilovers for $500 and do the install yourself.
Also - Would doing it myself with the coils be more long term than just buying springs and having someone else install? And should I get spacers or leave the car as is afterwards?
#18
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I think I'm gonna watch some videos and read up on installation and do this with a buddy of mine, I feel a lot more comfortable with Tein Street coils.
Also - Would doing it myself with the coils be more long term than just buying springs and having someone else install? And should I get spacers or leave the car as is afterwards?
Also - Would doing it myself with the coils be more long term than just buying springs and having someone else install? And should I get spacers or leave the car as is afterwards?
And yes it'll be a more long-term solution than just springs on stock struts as you're getting a brand new set of both. Spacers are up to you. Depending on how low you go you may need to roll your fenders if you run spacers so keep that in mind.
#19
JohnnyRocket
Thread Starter
Alright this has been super helpful my guys, I'm definitely gonna lower the car with a buddy then go from there. Thanks a bunch for the input! I'm excited to keep doing more and more little things to my TL. Definitely the most beautiful car Acura has ever made in my opinion.
#21
Suzuka Master
if you have to pay to have installation done you may as well cough up the extra cash and get coilovers as it costs nearly as much if not the same to change out the springs, and you will be way happier with the coilovers.
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Chad05TL (11-21-2019)
#24
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Do not cut them.
This is a new member legit asking for advice and he already believed Johnny...
don't actually send the guy down the wrong road @Midnight Mystery
Only way I've cut springs is if it's the dead coil that doesn't provide any of the tensile rebound.
This is a new member legit asking for advice and he already believed Johnny...
don't actually send the guy down the wrong road @Midnight Mystery
Only way I've cut springs is if it's the dead coil that doesn't provide any of the tensile rebound.
#25
Drifting
Is $5,000 cheap enough?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-04-08-A...0AAOSwnAJdYIIj
by the way, most coilovers are going to ride a lot harder than OEM or aspec or type-S springs. And harder springs can bring out play in suspension components in these TL's and create Noise..
https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-04-08-A...0AAOSwnAJdYIIj
by the way, most coilovers are going to ride a lot harder than OEM or aspec or type-S springs. And harder springs can bring out play in suspension components in these TL's and create Noise..
Last edited by Chad05TL; 11-21-2019 at 04:06 PM.
#27
Null and proud of it
Do not cut them.
This is a new member legit asking for advice and he already believed Johnny...
don't actually send the guy down the wrong road @Midnight Mystery
Only way I've cut springs is if it's the dead coil that doesn't provide any of the tensile rebound.
This is a new member legit asking for advice and he already believed Johnny...
don't actually send the guy down the wrong road @Midnight Mystery
Only way I've cut springs is if it's the dead coil that doesn't provide any of the tensile rebound.
You see. This is why my cars are stock!
Yeah. Don't cut 'em!
Look at it this way, you'll have a good OEM set to use if something happened to your lowering springs or coilovers.
#28
Drifting
I have eibachs now.. But they are slightly too low in the front. So, I also got some Type-S front springs. I plan on cutting 1/2 of a loop off the bottom.. That should take it down 1/2" when compressed according to a few sources I have quoted in the past. That 1/2" should negate any bump in height I may get due to having a 3.2.. but yes, there is only a certain amount you can cut, if you do it. Just my 2 cents. Cut at your own risk. I have not done it yet! trials and error. we shall see
Last edited by Chad05TL; 11-21-2019 at 07:21 PM.
#29
Drifting
update....
I have eibachs now.. But they are slightly too low in the front. So, I also got some Type-S front springs. I plan on cutting 1/2 of a loop off the bottom.. That should take it down 1/4" uncompressed and 1/2" when compressed according to a few sources I have quoted in the past. That 1/2" should negate any bump in height I may get due to having a 3.2.. but yes, there is only a certain amount you can cut, if you do it. Just my 2 cents. Cut at your own risk. I have not done it yet! trials and error. we shall see
I have eibachs now.. But they are slightly too low in the front. So, I also got some Type-S front springs. I plan on cutting 1/2 of a loop off the bottom.. That should take it down 1/4" uncompressed and 1/2" when compressed according to a few sources I have quoted in the past. That 1/2" should negate any bump in height I may get due to having a 3.2.. but yes, there is only a certain amount you can cut, if you do it. Just my 2 cents. Cut at your own risk. I have not done it yet! trials and error. we shall see
#30
-------Tim-------
Op, either just get coilovers, or buy some springs and deal with the drop associated with those springs advertised drop. I’m happy with the H&R sports on Koni yellows. Is it perfect, no. But the compromise isn’t much. I’ve been riding on them for years now, and like the handling and drop, paired with the koni yellow SP3’s. Lowered a perch in the front, and lowest in the rear. Even my parents haven’t said anything negative about the ride quality. Handles a lot better. If you could snag some a-spec springs with the koni shocks, I’m sure it would be enough of a difference to make you happy.
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Midnight Mystery (11-21-2019)
#32
Drifting
The Only Budget Way to get a dialed-in drop that rides Good
I agree that a coilover is the only way to fine tune the ride height. Because all spring sets don't lower it rightly. And no telling what you will get because I have seen a lot of pictures and they don't all look the same. Either the front will be too low and the rear end too high, or vise versa. But Coilovers, are not "budget" but Tein has the best price and value, but I bought them, and they rode too hard, and they brought out noises from my suspension. So they did not stay on my car very long.
You can buy the BC Coilovers which you can specify a softer spring, but still harder than Eibachs.. And BC are definitely not budget..
So, you can laugh, but if you cannot buy the right thing at the right price, then either "deal with what you get" (as Slpr04UA6 said) or build it!
Follow video below, or cut off spring collar and install a Clamp.. However I would not install the first o-ring like he did. Just leave it metal to metal.
Installation of Clamp:
1. Cut the spring seat ( collar) off your choice of Shocks KYB's will work fine for eibach springs or any similar spring that has "about" a 350 ft# spring rate (or 6.25kg) for the front, not the rears. The rear should be even less like 200ft#.
2. But a claim like these.. Make sure the Axial Load is high enough to support 1 leg of the car. clamping collar #1 or Collar #2 (Verify the size of the shock outer diameter. This is example only)
3. Buy a kit like this for the parts, but throw away the springs. (verify the inner diameter of the Threaded sleeve before you buy)
4. Buy Springs like THESE But I would advise calling Eibach and get the right part number for your car. You need a spring that has about 300ft#, but is the right diameter at the base and the top and is the right length...
extra parts:
Here is a threaded sleeve for KONI.. Link
another threaded sleeve Link
You get the idea..
You can buy the BC Coilovers which you can specify a softer spring, but still harder than Eibachs.. And BC are definitely not budget..
So, you can laugh, but if you cannot buy the right thing at the right price, then either "deal with what you get" (as Slpr04UA6 said) or build it!
Follow video below, or cut off spring collar and install a Clamp.. However I would not install the first o-ring like he did. Just leave it metal to metal.
Installation of Clamp:
1. Cut the spring seat ( collar) off your choice of Shocks KYB's will work fine for eibach springs or any similar spring that has "about" a 350 ft# spring rate (or 6.25kg) for the front, not the rears. The rear should be even less like 200ft#.
2. But a claim like these.. Make sure the Axial Load is high enough to support 1 leg of the car. clamping collar #1 or Collar #2 (Verify the size of the shock outer diameter. This is example only)
3. Buy a kit like this for the parts, but throw away the springs. (verify the inner diameter of the Threaded sleeve before you buy)
4. Buy Springs like THESE But I would advise calling Eibach and get the right part number for your car. You need a spring that has about 300ft#, but is the right diameter at the base and the top and is the right length...
extra parts:
Here is a threaded sleeve for KONI.. Link
another threaded sleeve Link
You get the idea..
Last edited by Chad05TL; 11-22-2019 at 03:56 PM. Reason: its friday
#33
Drifting
I think on KYB shocks, there is not enough room between the spring seat and the top of the shock to install a threaded sleeve. This this might mean you will have to remove the attached spring seat, then install a clamp, and position it low enough to support a threaded sleeve. But if you go lower, then you will likely need a longer spring.. So all this has to be thought out and determined for whatever shock you pick.
#34
Drifting
Ground Control makes a package like I have described above. However, they are not what I would call "budget". In fact it looks markets up. Eibach will sell coilover springs for like $100 or less if you call them directly. And their customer support is very good.
Ground Control
And here are more parts from Summit. I do not know the diameter size of your shocks. Everything has to be sized properly. Thats the trick, since this is a venture.
SUMMIT
.
Ground Control
And here are more parts from Summit. I do not know the diameter size of your shocks. Everything has to be sized properly. Thats the trick, since this is a venture.
SUMMIT
.
#35
Drifting
Even cheaper
You dont even have to buy a threaded Sleeve or new Springs...
#1. Cut off the OEM perch, and grind smooth.
#2. Install a clamping collar of the kind I posted in the links above.
#3 place the clamp anywhere you like on the shock, This is your ride height. then place the "beveled" oem perch on top of it..
There is no adjustment without the threaded sleeve but it is cheaper.. If you want a threaded sleeve to adjust on the fly, then buy one.
Also note.. I am guessing the "lose" OEM perch (or KYB perch) will not rattle.. If you thin about Koni's and their perch, there is nothing holding it down. And it does not rattle.
Remove the OEM perch like this.. but do not destroy it..
#1. Cut off the OEM perch, and grind smooth.
#2. Install a clamping collar of the kind I posted in the links above.
#3 place the clamp anywhere you like on the shock, This is your ride height. then place the "beveled" oem perch on top of it..
There is no adjustment without the threaded sleeve but it is cheaper.. If you want a threaded sleeve to adjust on the fly, then buy one.
Also note.. I am guessing the "lose" OEM perch (or KYB perch) will not rattle.. If you thin about Koni's and their perch, there is nothing holding it down. And it does not rattle.
Remove the OEM perch like this.. but do not destroy it..
Last edited by Chad05TL; 11-23-2019 at 10:12 PM.
#36
Moderator
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What in tarnation?
Dude, your tein rode harsh? Did you unload your torsional bushings?
I have a hard time believing that...the Tein SS were SO compliant...and I was maxed...
my buddy Brian has the basis on his accord and I thought that was amazing too.
Odd.
Dude, your tein rode harsh? Did you unload your torsional bushings?
I have a hard time believing that...the Tein SS were SO compliant...and I was maxed...
my buddy Brian has the basis on his accord and I thought that was amazing too.
Odd.
#37
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Probably had them set too low and there was no tension on the spring. I did that when I first installed my Street Basis and the springs would move and make a noise every time I went over a bump or lowered the car from the jack.
#38
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ah...yeah, hence the helper spring normally...
I actually forgot about that entirely...when I was all the way down
I used to have to reach in when lowering the car to guide the spring into the upper mount.
Fuck, how did I live like that.
I actually forgot about that entirely...when I was all the way down
I used to have to reach in when lowering the car to guide the spring into the upper mount.
Fuck, how did I live like that.
#40
Highly recommend adjustable rear control arms if you are dropping more than 1.5" and get an alignment. My brand new tires went bald after 4-5 weeks of driving on 2" drop.